As an experienced executive who has worked in the NHS and local grove ent - Stephen explains how it worked, the differences, similarities and symmetry.
Stephen is the CEO of Cambridgeshire County Council but is of particular interest to this podcast as he has undertaken senior leadership role in the NHS , local government, police service and nationally in NHS England.
Local Government is fundamentally about place, locally led by politicians and people Democratically elected to led with a mandate.
The differences between a local authority CEO and NHS CEO is the latter is accountable to Parliament as a n Accountable Officer, the former is “Head of paid service” and accountable to the councillors in the Council through collective leadership. Therefore a local authority is not directed by a single government department or Secretary of State - probably 4 or 5 central o-government departments that interlock with local authorities.
Stephen describes the skills of agility, listening and responding to residents, ensuing he triangulates views and opinions and remains very curious. Importantly a local authority CEO can not be active politically.
Setting thje culture right in the council is importantly -close vision and purpose; underpinned by 7 political ambitions. Role is to ensure there is not conflict between the politicians and council staff and sometimes operate as a heat shield and needs to be resilient.
Stephan described his optimism for the transformation that needs to take place and not getting sidetracked by local government re-organisations . There are huge opportunities with the Oxford to Cambridge development belt and he wants to ensure he eventually leaves well and leaves a good legacy for someone else to build upon.